Emmy-winning television journalist Gayle King and Grammy-winning musician, DJ and culture guru Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson will be among the featured guests joining USC Annenberg’s virtual celebration for its Class of 2021 on May 13.
The program will honor graduates’ accomplishments and reflect their unique USC Annenberg experience.
King, co-host of CBS This Morning, will lead a conversation with graduates from across the school’s degree programs in communication, journalism, public diplomacy and public relations. The Roots drummer, author and entrepreneur Questlove, who has also recently directed the acclaimed documentary Summer of Soul and is co-head of his own production company TWO ONE FIVE, will share remarks paired with an original DJ set curated especially to inspire the graduating class.
“Gayle and Questlove are brilliant communicators who both shape and reflect our contemporary culture across media,” said USC Annenberg Dean Willow Bay. “I can’t wait for them to share their deep knowledge and tremendous talents with our graduates — and their families and friends — as we create a meaningful celebration for our Class of 2021.”
King and Questlove will join Bay and other school leaders for the livestream program on Thursday, May 13 at 11 a.m. PT. A link to view the celebration will be made available on USC’s commencement website. Members of the Class of 2021 and their families will receive further information, including details for virtual receptions later that day.
USC Annenberg’s in-person commencement ceremony for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18 at 3:30 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Watch the Celebration for the Class of 2021 here.
USC Annenberg’s Class of 2020 was honored last year in the virtual celebration here.